The Queen's state visit to Malta will celebrate the Royal Family's "enduring affection" for the island nation, Buckingham Palace has said.

Royal sources told The Express the visit to Malta next month may be the last time the Queen attends a Commonwealth summit.

The monarch, joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, will tour the country next month and also open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The royal couple have a deep affinity with Malta as they spent a period at the start of their marriage living on the island.

The 89-year-old monarch has ruled out travelling long-haul as part of her efforts to tailor her workload to her age.

Apart from Malta, Cyprus is the only other Commonwealth country in Europe. The nearest after that would be in west Africa, which the Queen is unlikely to visit.

During their visit from November 26-28 Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will be accompanied by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall - the fourth time Charles has attended a CHOGM.

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